Weight
87g
Thickness
6.2mm
Plies
7-ply
Head Size
157x150
Handles
FL / ST
Material
Hybrid
Head Shape
Standard
Balance
Balanced
Outerforce ALC
Butterfly Outerforce ALC bridges the gap between entry-level and advanced equipment, designed specifically for intermediate players aiming to elevate their game. It features a unique outer Arylate-Carbon (ALC) construction paired with Ayous top layers and a Kiri core, creating a balanced blend of speed, stability, and control. This blade delivers a softer feel and increased dwell time compared to more demanding ALC models, making it highly accessible for players refining their technique. Its design emphasizes ease of handling, excelling in close-to-the-table play and providing confidence for a wide range of offensive and defensive maneuvers.
This 5+2 outer-type construction features Ayous wood as the top and middle layers with a Kiri core. The ALC fibers are placed directly under the top Ayous layer, contributing to the blade's balance of speed, stability, and dwell time. The use of Ayous as the outer ply is a distinctive choice intended to provide a softer hitting feeling and high controllability.
TT Sensei Ratings
✦Our expert analysis of this blade's performance characteristics
Outerforce ALC delivers moderate speed, making it more accessible than high-speed ALC blades. It offers a noticeable speed advantage over pure wood blades and inner-fiber constructions but is generally considered slower than models like the Viscaria. This moderate pace stems from its balanced construction, which prioritizes control and stability over maximum velocity, providing a smooth transition for players developing their offensive game.
Control is a standout feature of the Outerforce ALC. Players consistently praise its ease of use and forgiving nature, thanks to its balanced construction and moderate speed. This design allows for confident execution of various techniques, making it well-suited for those who prioritize accuracy and consistency. Many find it offers better control than several other popular ALC blades, providing a reliable platform for both offensive and defensive play.
Outerforce ALC provides a medium feel, described as softer than many other ALC blades. The Ayous top layers contribute a direct wood-like sensation, while the ALC adds a subtle carbon crispness. This blend creates a comfortable and engaging touch, with increased dwell time enhancing ball feedback for better shot perception.
The combination of ALC and softer wood plies typically produces a medium-high throw angle. This is common for modern offensive blades designed for spin, allowing for good arc generation on loops and topspin shots, helping players achieve depth and clearance over the net.
The ALC fibers combined with Ayous top layers deliver good dwell time. This allows players to feel the ball on the blade longer, which aids significantly in generating spin and executing precise shots, particularly beneficial in close-to-the-table exchanges and touch play.
Outerforce ALC is generally perceived as more flexible and less stiff than many other ALC blades. This increased flexibility contributes directly to its enhanced control and dwell time, making it more approachable for players who prefer a blade that isn't overly rigid and offers a bit of give.
The blade exhibits a noticeable level of vibration, which is typical for ALC constructions. However, qualitative feedback suggests it may be less jarring than some stiffer high-performance ALC blades, with many users finding the vibration comfortable and well-balanced, not overly stiff or harsh.
Manufactured in Japan, the Outerforce ALC exhibits the solid build quality characteristic of Butterfly products. It makes a very solid impression with premium craftsmanship. While individual experiences may vary, the overall feedback aligns with its positioning as a reliable upgrade from entry-level blades, offering good durability and finish.
Technology
Butterfly Outerforce ALC utilizes Arylate-Carbon (ALC) technology, a material blend that provides a unique balance of elasticity and stability. In this specific 'Outerforce' construction, the ALC layers are positioned in an outer placement, directly beneath the top Ayous wood ply. This design, combined with the use of softer Ayous wood for the top and middle plies, is engineered to enhance dwell time, improve spin generation, and offer a more controlled feel compared to traditional inner-ALC or more aggressive outer-ALC designs. The goal is to make the benefits of ALC technology more accessible and easier to handle for intermediate players.
Similar Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Viscaria is a benchmark outer-ALC blade known for its speed and power. Outerforce ALC is often described as a slower, softer, and more controlled version. This makes it a more accessible alternative for players who find the Viscaria's high performance too demanding, seeking a similar feel with greater forgiveness.
Butterfly Innerforce ALC.S
Innerforce ALC.S is an inner-fiber ALC blade. Some players transition from it to the Outerforce ALC seeking more direct power while retaining good control. They find the Outerforce ALC strikes a good compromise, offering the enhanced power of an outer ALC blade while maintaining much of the controlled feel associated with inner blade constructions.